Maharashtra cabinet, in its recent meeting, has approved a policy of allowing eight temporary beach shacks to be built along the Konkan coast. The move will help boost the tourism industry in the state. By Kumar Shree
The initiative will kickstart on a pilot project basis and will see an extension as per demand. The list of beaches that will form a part of this initiative includes Bordi and Kelwe in Palghar, Varsoli and Diveagar in Raigad, Guhagar and Araware in Ratnagiri, and Kundkeshwar and Tarkali in Sindhudurg. Since some of these beaches come under the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), shacks on these can operate only after clearance.
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As reported by Times of India, Shiv Sena leader and Cabinet Minister Anil Parab said, “We will give preference to applications made by locals. The idea is to boost tourism and open up an alternative economy for locals.” It is also noteworthy that each beach can have a maximum of 10 shacks only.
The 15X15 ft shacks will be set up at a height of 12 ft and will be allotted for three years at a non-refundable charge of INR 15,000. Applicants also need to submit a refundable deposit of INR 30,000 and an annual fee of INR 45,000 for the first year, INR 50,000 for the second year, and INR 55,000 for the third year.
These shacks can operate from 07:00 am to 07:00 pm, and will have CCTV installed to ensure safety.
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Another key decision to promote tourism was made during the meeting. The cabinet has decided to allot seven properties under Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to private players on a lease or joint venture for up to 90 years. These are resorts in Ganpatipule, Harihareshwar, Mithbab, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, and plots at Tadoba and Farbapur.
A committee under the chief secretary will decide on the lease rent and period of lease.
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